Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1887-12-15
(Corresrondence OF the Beacon.

Congress, the meeting Of the National
Republican Committee, and the an
nual session of the American Evangel-
ical Alliance have contributed to
render the past week a memorable one
in the history of Washington. The
Associated Press dispatches furnished
a graphic representation of the scenes
at the Capitol upon the opening day
Of the session, out they convey but
poor idea of the keen sense of disap
pointment felt by the crowds that
filled the galleries long before the hour
of opening, who anticipated witnessing
exciting and animated proceedings.
The questions with reference to the
seating Of certain Senators had been
amicably arranged in Joint caucus
held during the morning, and as no
emergency arose, those who had
struggled to get into the crowded
galleries. hardly felt recompensed for
their pains. The opening scenes in
the House of Representatives were not
unlike those attending the opening
day OF a session. The doors Of the
galleries were thrown open at an early
hear, and soon every seat was &C.
cuped and the corridors were crowded.
There was an unusually large atten-
dance of ladies. The floral gifts to
the Members were both numerous and
beautiful. Here, however, as in the
Senate, the spectators who had ex-
pected to witness an unusually excit-
ing opening were disappointed. The
only excitement was occasioned by
religious crank in the main gallery,
who, as the roll was about to be called,
arose and in a loud voice requested
all present to join him in singing the
old and familiar hymn Praise God
from Whom all blessings Flow, and,
waving his hands he proceeded to sing
at the top of his voice. The gallery
was so crowded that it was impossible
for the officers to reach him until he
had finished the song. After the
election of officers of the House, the
drawing for seats was commenced.
1t was highly amusing to watch the
expressions upon the faces of some of
the unfortunate members as the best
seats were selected before their names
were called.
The President created a decided
sensation by sending to Congress the
shortest annual message ever written
and by devoting it entirely to a single
subject. The reading OF the message
was listened to with marked attention
by both Members and spectators. and
the subject Of the message and its
probable effect upon the coming Pres
idential contest has been the theme Of
discussion during the week. The
more timid Democrats are apprehen-
sive as TO its effect, while the Repub-
Leans claim that the message will
enhance the strength Of their party in
the manufacturing districts. What
ever the effect may be, it is generally
conceded that the message will prove
the foundation OF the coming Presi-
dental contest.
The Evangelical Alliance, which
commenced its session at the Congre-
gstional Church on Wednesday, at
tracted to the city a large number OF
prominent church workers from all
sections Of the country. The sessions
have been extremely interesting and
so largely attended that it was found
necessary to hold overflow meetings
in other churches. Prof. Boyeson,
who is natYralized citizen of the
United States, read a paper before the
Alliance on Thursday evening upon
the subject OF Immigration" which
has attracted universal and wide
spread attention. He pointed out the
evils arising from unrestricted i'm.
migration, and The disastrous conse-
quences sure TO follow. When an
intelligent foreigner, who allies his
interests with ours. informs us that it
is time to throw obstacles in the way
of psuper immigration, We may we'll
take heed.
TIE National Republican Committee
at its session at the Arlington Hotel
on Thursday last, listened to the
claims presented by the several cities
and finally decided upon Chicago as
the place and the 18th of June the
date for holding the Nominating Con-
vention. The meeting of the COM
mittee was an interesting one, and all
the members protiessed to entertain
the brightest hopes for the future.
The friends OF Mr.. Blaine had full
control, and it is now looked upon as